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The American Solution to Europe’s Energy Woes

Exporting U.S. shale gas would reduce the continent’s reliance on Russia. That ought to be a strategic priority for Washington.

By

Stephen A. Cheney

Oct. 28, 2014 3:59 p.m. ET

The crisis in Ukraine has once again demonstrated the importance of diversified natural-gas supplies for Europe. Ukraine faces a severe shortage given its dependence on a hostile Russia for gas, and European Union leaders are likewise scrambling for alternatives in case Moscow decides to cut supplies.

If the problems that face Ukraine are particularly severe, they are by no means unique. Across Eastern Europe, countries depend overwhelmingly on Russia to meet their energy needs. Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia...